POLL: Who Should Run the Concession Stand at Heavenly Farms?

The Township Council is in the middle of talks regarding how to run the new snack stand at .

Currently, the East Brunswick Soccer Club is running the operation. The club was chosen after the township asked athletic groups that use the fields to submit proposals. Mayor David Stahl said that just two of the groups that use the nearby turf fields submitted proposals.

However, Township Council members Camille Ferraro and James Wendell say the township should consider going out to bid and having an outside vendor run the operations with proceeds going to maintain the fields and utilities.

“I believe this is an opportunity to try and offset the costs in operating and maintaining the facility, and if we go to bid and the soccer club is the lowest bidder, then good for them,” said Wendell.

Mayor Stahl said proceeds from the stand should go to the athletic clubs that use the fields to help offset registration costs. He also said a decision to go out to bid would mean similar township owned facilities, including those at Crystal Springs, Managers Field and the Library, also would need to be reviewed. 

“I think we should look beyond the dollars and cents and support the organizations,” he said.

Wendell said the stand should be open during every season and possibly seven days a week.

The nearby turf fields are used for soccer, football and lacrosse and are owned by the township. To help build the fields, the soccer club donated $300,000 “seed money” to help cover costs, said Mayor Stahl. Mayor Stahl said that donation is shows EBSC is a responsible entity and able to run the stand effeciently and responsibly.

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